Title: Awareness workshops on the application of the Mining Code in DR Congo: promoting transparency in the extractive sector
Introduction :
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative in the Democratic Republic of Congo (ITIE-DRC) recently organized a series of exchange and awareness workshops on the application of the provisions of the Mining Code and the orders relating to the allocation of 0.3% minimum of the turnover of mining companies in DR Congo. These workshops, which took place in several cities across the country, brought together representatives of impacted communities, mining companies, local administrations and civil society organizations. The objective was to remove gray areas, share experiences and achieve a common level of understanding on this crucial issue.
Development :
The Mining Code in DR Congo provides for the allocation of a minimum of 0.3% of the turnover of mining companies to contribute to community development projects in the sector. In order to facilitate its application, several regulatory texts have been adopted by the ministers in charge of Mines and Social Affairs. However, the implementation of this measure encounters various obstacles, such as the lack of communication between communities and civil society organizations, as well as the lack of support from the government.
The workshops organized by the EITI-DRC helped to highlight these challenges and encourage exchanges between all stakeholders. Representatives of impacted communities were able to appropriate the legal and regulatory provisions on the 0.3% allocation and actively participate in monitoring their execution in favor of community development projects. Mining companies also outlined the challenges they face in implementing this measure.
The objective of these workshops was threefold: to achieve a common level of understanding on the regulations applicable to the 0.3%, to consistently disseminate information on the allocation of 0.3% of turnover and to set up a systematic mechanism for sharing information between businesses, administrations and impacted communities.
Conclusion :
Awareness workshops on the application of the Mining Code in DR Congo played an essential role in promoting transparency and the active participation of impacted communities in development projects. They provided a better understanding of the legal and regulatory provisions relating to the allocation of 0.3% of the turnover of mining companies. However, it is essential to continue working on the identified challenges, such as the communication gap and the lack of support from the government, in order to ensure effective implementation of this measure and improve the living conditions of communities affected by the extractive industry in DR Congo.